New Poaching Incident

DC Staff

As North Dakota deals with a large increase in big game poaching incidents in the western part of the state, the latest episode involving the poaching of a large mule deer on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. Reports from the ND Game and Fish Department and Reservation officials indicate the trophy deer was killed sometime over the opening weekend of deer season.

Fort Berthold surrounds Lake Sakakawea southeast of New Town. The Three Affiliated Tribes Fish and Wildlife Department is handling the investigation. The state Game and Fish Department has offered any assistance needed in solving the case. Chief warden for the department, Bob Timian, confirmed that the deer was killed illegally on the reservation.

The northwestern part of North Dakota has seen a dramatic increase in poaching this fall, and the department is asking for help to “prevent thrill killing of wildlife” in the region. In September, district warden Keenan Snyder reported knowledge of six known poaching incidents, all but one occurring the area north and northeast of Watford City.

Poaching incidents are considered fairly common in the Bakken Oil Patch. And while officials are involved in solving the crimes, they say there’s a pronounced lack of information on the activity, something he’d like to see improve from the public.

The increase in poaching incidents this fall have involved white-tailed deer, mule deer and pronghorn antelope. Most are kill and either left to die intact or with heads removed.

The Game and Fish Department says anyone with information on the incidents is asked to call the Report All Poachers telephone number at 800-472-2121, or contact warden Keenan Snyder at 701-770-1072. Report All Poachers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any of these individuals.

The Game and Fish Department says anyone with information on the incidents is asked to call the Report All Poachers (RAP) telephone number at 800-472-2121, or contact warden Keenan Snyder at 701-770-1072.

Report All Poachers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any of these individuals. •